A WOMAN from Fareham plans to run a marathon to celebrate her 60th birthday after recovering from a major operation.

Fiona Diamond plans to run 26.2 miles on a round-trip from Warsash to Gosport to raise money for Crohn's & Colitis UK.

She originally planned to run the London Marathon which has been cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown.

On October 4 Fiona, from Warsash, and six other runners from Holly Hill Runners club will complete the challenge.

Fiona said: "I want to try and prove something and help other people because Crohn's is such a horrible disease to live with. I got to the point where I couldn't leave the house, it really is debilitating."

Fiona has trained over 900 miles and hopes to recreate the London spirit with fellow runners and family and friends who will be supporting them throughout the route.

"I am such a different person having had my operation five years ago, having not been able to do anything beforehand and I have been doing all this, I owe it to go out there and show that with the right mindset and the right help, that you can achieve things if you really want to."

"I want to show that you can run a marathon having been homebound and being very sick. You can turn things around and get out there."

Fellow running club members and friends, Abi Massey and Erica Miller will join Fiona as part of 'Team 160' as the pair are also celebrating their 50th birthdays.

Fiona added: "Despite everything happening through the summer with lockdown, life has carried on and we still want to make the most out of the situation."

Fiona has raised £2500 so far and hopes to reach £3000. Donate here: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-display/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=team160&isTeam=true